If you are just joining us for the Heart Sisters: Be the Friend You Want to HaveBook Club (book by Natalie Chambers Snapp), please click HERE to begin at Chapter One.For many of us, there will come a time when we are called upon to lead. It might be in our church, in our job or in our own family. Regardless of the venue, preparing our hearts for the journey will help better position us for attacks from the enemy, because, like it or not, when we accept a calling to expand the kingdom of God, they will come.In Chapter 9, Natalie shares not only some potential pitfalls in the pursuit and acceptance of leadership, but also how we can use these experiences as genuine learning and growth opportunities for ourselves and the people we lead.She begins the chapter by digging into the story of David – and unlikely leader who was not only successful, but made mistakes. And was faced with critics and those who wanted to keep him from his leadership position.Leadership will never be easy, as we learn from David, but when we keep our eyes focused on God and away from negativity, defeat and the naysayers, we can lead from a place of peace.Natalie goes on to tell us that it’s important to have the right motives when we accept a leadership position. After all, the work will not be easy, so it’s important that our hearts are in the right place.Having been in positions myself where I have led teams, I loved this quote: “Just because you are promoted to a position of leadership, it doesn’t mean you’ve been promoted to perfection.” It’s important that we do not become prideful in our positions. It’s important that we realize that we will still make mistakes (it’s how we react to and learn from them that is key here). And it’s important that we focus more on the overall health of our team than on what we stand to gain.Effective leadership requires humility – recognizing that you don’t have all the answers, but through the combined gifts and talents of your team, your best work will be happen. Effective leadership requires a servant’s heart. We need to look at how we can best provide for our team members, not vice versa.Leadership is not a path for the faint of heart. But for those of us who accept the call, it’s a refining moment and one that not only brings us closer to those that we lead, but also to God.Ready to dig into the questions that Natalie poses with this chapter?1. What are the qualities of a good leader? 2. Think of the life of David. What were his strengths? What were his weaknesses? How did God use him? 3. Brainstorm ways you can start your leadership team off on the right foot. What are the team’s strengths? Weaknesses? 4. How do you react to your critics? What do you think God wants you to learn from them?5. Take a moment to dream: what do you desire for the ministry or company you serve? How can you make that happen?Written by Melissa